Dobinsons 3" Heavy Installation

[Cruzerman]

Put a Dobinsons 3" heavy linear setup on my '95 over the weekend. This rig is going to more be for outback camping than wheeling and while I was tempted to go with something more flexi, I think this is going to be a great setup for my intended purpose. I put on these springs & shocks:

C59-170 front springs
C59-171 rear springs
GS59-683 front shocks
GS59-682 rear shocks
SD59-824 steering dampner

First of all, Mike was awesome to deal with. He answered all my questions (and there were lots of questions). And he shipped stuff out fast. Couldn't ask for anything more.

Installation went OK. The rear old shocks were a pain to remove and I didn't want to break off those bolts. But with enough blaster and some heat they did come out in one piece. I can't say the same for the rear sway bar. I broke off most of the bolts. Looks like I'm not going to be running a rear bar, at least for a while (if ever). And while I was doing stuff, I also put on longer brake lines.

So, I still have the caster bushings to install. And I also need a spacer for the front sway bar. And I need to lower the bump stops.

So here are some before and after pictures. Before is on 235/85-16s and an OME lift (not sure which, came with rig). After pictures are on new Dobinsons with 315/75-16s.

It is still light on weight right now. I have to put on my sliders, skid plate, and winch.

 

[Biggreener]

Installation went OK. The rear old shocks were a pain to remove and I didn't want to break off those bolts. But with enough blaster and some heat they did come out in one piece. I can't say the same for the rear sway bar. I broke off most of the bolts. Looks like I'm not going to be running a rear bar, at least for a while (if ever). And while I was doing stuff, I also put on longer brake lines.

Nice job not breaking off the rear shock mount bolts. I twisted off both of them on the passenger side when I replaced my OMEs, and wound up having to drill them out and through-bolt them. Hassle and a half. I've heard good things about the Dobinsons setup.

 

[baldilocks]

Definitely over 3” right now but that’s a good thing.

 

[Cruzerman]

It went up more than 3" over the OME lift that was on it. And that's from the center of the hub to the bottom of the wheel well! Add the new tires, and it sits up much higher than it did before. Hopping out the first time surprised me. Wasn't use to it being so far up.

 

[Cruzerman]

So I finished putting on some parts that I took off my other 80. Bolted on my sliders (even though they are for a '93/'94) and my skid plate. Also got some crossbars done and got the RTT on the rig. And mounted up the awning. The only thing that hasn't been completed is putting on the winch. Oh, and the castor bushings. The rig came with an OME lift and the OME castor bushings are in there now. I will be replacing them with the Dobinsons bushings or be going with plates. Haven't decided, but it drives OK. Going to let it "settle" a little more before making the call.

Anyhow, after much work, baselining, and doing everything I could to get ready, our "new" 80 made its first overland adventure. We made the trip and everything worked great. The suspension is awesome. We had lots of weight in the rig, although I never did get a chance to weigh it. The truck drove fantastic both on and off pavement. It articulated well when needed and absorbed the bumps great on those high speed dirt road stretches. I'm very pleased, especially for a new set of springs. I suspect they will actually get somewhat better once they get broken in some.

It was also our first time using a RTT. Picked one up for a good deal and thought we would give it a try. It worked well. I was somewhat concerned that the truck would "rock & roll" a bit too much but again, all was great.

Not the longest trip, but we did log around 800 miles total. When I get a chance, I'll post a few shots.

 

[baldilocks]

I would go with castor plates for two reasons: The bushings fall apart if you do more than mall crawling and the springs you have provide more than three inches of lift meaning that you could use every bit of the castor angle that plates will provide.

 

[Cruzerman]

I probably will go plates but again, there are bushings in there now that make it fine to drive so no hurry. Lots of other things to do. And while this is not a DD or a mall crawler, it also isn't going to be a heavy duty wheeler either. This is our outback adventure rig. But it is a locked Cruiser on 35's, so it does go past where most people turn around which is the kinda the idea.

 

[landtank]

can you take the hub - flare measurement as it sits now? I'm curious of the final ride height of the truck.

Thanks

 

[Cruzerman]

It is 23 3/4" both front and back. The RTT and awning are on but all the camping gear has been removed.

 

[Cruzerman]

Current pictures. Still need to put on winch.

 

[Beej]

Looking good. I'm looking to upgrade. Who is Mike? Is her the guy on here that distributes these?

 

[ZackR]

Night and day difference, looks great!